Police warn Herefordshire farmers after complaints about muddy roads

8:00am Tuesday 18th November 2008

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HEREFORDSHIRE farmers have been warned of their legal responsibility to prevent mud getting on the county’s roads.

The police have issued a reminder to farmers following complaints that the amount of mud on Herefordshire’s roads appears to be worse this year than others.

PC Bob Conway, of Hereford’s roads policing team, said: "Of late, because of the damp autumnal weather, many of the roads around the county have been covered in layers of mud deposited by tractors coming from already muddy fields onto the carriageway.

“This makes roads slippery. Rain showers make these roads even more so. On top of this, thick mud can obscure lane and other road markings, adding to the problems."

"Whilst we appreciate we are living in a farming community, this does not excuse tractor drivers from their legal responsibility not to deposit mud on the road, which can seriously affect driving conditions.

“Driving on mud-splattered roads in a car can be alarming - for those on a motor bike or pedal cycle it can be positively dangerous".

Because of the danger this presents to motorists, police will patrol and take appropriate action.

Bob Haynes, Herefordshire’s police traffic management officer, also urged motorists to slow down.

“You'll find it's too late to kill your speed when you slide off on a muddy bend or when you have to brake hard on it," he said.

The following advice is offered to farmers and their employees: •Keep to farm and minor roads whenever possible •Keep to a low speed, especially when travelling short distances, to help retain the mud on the vehicle •Be prepared to keep a written record of your decision whether or not to deploy signs and/or clean the road •Do everything possible to prevent mud being deposited on the road. This includes cleaning mud from vehicles before going on the road. Though this is inconvenient it may not be a defence in law.